Alfalfa is the most cost-productive crop that can be grown for livestock feeding. In fact, it is so easy to grow that it has been the crop of choice for farmers for over four centuries. Throughout the centuries, different types have been created in order to help it grow in diverse soils and climates. It is susceptible to attacks from weevils, however, which are a major pest. Pests that affect these plants are easy to control through non-chemical methods, which makes it easier to protect than other crops.
To grow successfully, this crop needs soil with a pH of about 7.5; acidic soils and soils with bedrock or low humidity are not a good medium for the plant, which needs high levels of phosphorus and potassium to thrive. It is often rotated with other crops, especially oats and wheat, to allow the soil to recuperate. Red clover is a great crop to plant just before alfalfa, as its roots will promote drainage and increase breathing room for the alfalfa roots, which are long and deep.
Alfalfa needs a few basic things to grow successfully. These include a soil free of weeds and with a well-planned drainage system. The ground can be used for grazing as the crops are growing, but only after the first year. At the beginning, the plant needs time to adjust to the soil and the first year crop may not thrive. Starting with good-quality seeds can have a big impact on the crops, so it is important to invest appropriately as the process starts.
This plant can also be grown at home, especially by people looking to produce the sprouts. Sprouting alfalfa seeds can be done in a simple glass jar by adding a handful of soaked seeds to soil and then sealing the jar covered with a screen of woven fabric. This is an essential step that will allow the seeds to breathe as they sprout. The seeds should be rinsed with warm water daily for 5-6 days, after which they should be laid in the sun for about 15 minutes. The seeds are easy to grow at home, and the sprouts provide fiber, protein, and antioxidants.